Amelia’s Journey in STEM and Disability Advocacy

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Amelia’s Journey in STEM and Disability Advocacy

"People with disabilities are natural-born problem solvers." Amelia Whorton

Born with cerebral palsy, Amelia Whorton has made it her mission to break down barriers, not just in her personal life but also in the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). With the help of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), she’s navigating her path to success while paving the way for others with disabilities.

With a master’s degree in neuroscience and physiology, Amelia is working toward a PhD in biomedical sciences. Her research focuses on preventing burnout by identifying when tasks should be offloaded or paused. Her goal is to use machine learning and artificial intelligence to revolutionize prosthetics to adapt to an individual’s unique movements, reducing the need for frequent adjustments or replacements.

Amelia is an advocate for greater representation of people with disabilities in STEM careers. She’s vocal about the challenges and stigma that people with disabilities can face. “Having a disability is expensive,” Amelia notes. “Society often focuses on what people can’t do rather than thinking about how we can help them do it.”

“OOD wants to make sure each person becomes the most successful version of themselves,” Amelia explains. Through OOD’s Personal Care Assistance program, Amelia has been assisted with daily living, and thanks to Ohio College2Careers (Ohio C2C), she has received tuition support, adaptive computer technology and training, and internship and employment-seeking services.

Amelia encourages others to follow her path. “People with disabilities are natural-born problem solvers,” she says. When faced with the challenge of using a keyboard with one hand, she didn’t wait for a solution to appear—she built one herself.

Phil Penrod, Amelia’s OOD Sr. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, emphasizes the importance of focus and determination. “I admire Amelia’s unwavering focus on setting and achieving her academic and career goals.”

In Amelia’s case, she benefited from the close partnership between Wright State University’s Office of Disability Services and Ohio C2C. Together, they work to align services to help increase student preparedness for careers and access to job opportunities.

For anyone facing similar challenges, Amelia’s recommendation is clear: “If you want to succeed and thrive, OOD is an invaluable resource. They help you build the career you want and empower you to take control of your own life.”

If you or someone you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.

Director Miller Provides Budget Testimony

OOD staff accompanied Director Miller to his budget testimony at the Ohio Statehouse. Individuals were selected by the OOD Director’s Advisory Groups, support areas, and those who participated in recent leadership training. From left to right: Maria Seaman, Chief Fiscal Officer; Autumn Dent, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Amanda Carrino, Vocational Rehabilitation Caseload Assistant; Suzie Rupp, Administrative Professional; Kary Whearty, Vocational Rehabilitation Caseload Assistant; OOD Director Kevin L. Miller; Melanie Sonnier, Human Capital Management Manager; Raven Comer, Disability Claims Supervisor; Greg Elchert, Financial Associate; Jane Morana, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; and Lesley McConnell, Training Development Analyst.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s biennial Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 highlights his continued dedication to making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.

On February 26, 2025, OOD Director Kevin L. Miller provided budget testimony to the Ohio House Health Committee.

Director Miller explained, “Governor DeWine’s proposed budget supports Ohioans with disabilities, empowering them to find careers, stability, purpose, meaning, connection, and independence.”

Watch Now

To learn more, watch Director Miller’s on-demand video testimony on The Ohio Channel, or read his budget testimony on OOD’s website.

Celebrating Black History Month: Fannie Lou Hamer

From her humble roots in the Mississippi Delta to her time as a key leader during the Civil Rights Movement, and her receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom 48 years after her death, Fannie Lou Hamer created a legacy for justice that echoes today.

Despite being affected by polio, which led to her disability, Hamer channeled her pain into purpose as a notable figure who fought for Black voting rights. Her work was instrumental in highlighting the dual challenges faced by Black women and people with disabilities, sparking conversations about racial equality and disability rights that still inspire change today.

Rare Disease Day on February 28

#Rare Disease Day More Than You Can Imagine Feb. 28 2025

Rare Disease Day, which takes place on the last day of February each year, seeks to raise awareness about rare diseases and their impact on individuals' lives. This year’s theme, "More Than You Can Imagine,” emphasizes that rare diseases can affect more than imagined, including physical health as well as social, emotional, and economic dimensions.

The campaign calls for people living with a rare disease to have equal opportunities to realize their full participation in family, work, and social life. Learn more at RareDiseaseDay.org.

All About Accessibility: Resources about Blindness and Low Vision

OOD and the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio partnered to create a searchable database of resources for individuals who are blind or have low vision. With 14 categories of information (e.g., accessible technology, advocacy, employment resources, and independent living), the public can search for resources based on topic or name. Families and professionals can go to one place to find the resources and information they need at the OOD website.

Resources are updated regularly. If you would like to add a resource, please email BSVI-NFBSearchResources@ood.ohio.gov.

In the News

Celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with Pioneer Center Events in March

Chillicothe Gazette, 2-26-25

Audiobooks and Ohio's Talking Book Program

The Advertiser-Tribune, 2-24-25

New Partnership Formed to Empower Ohio Disability Services Organizations

The Athens Messenger, 2-24-25

The Center for Inclusion to Host “Embrace Accessibility” Event to Spread Awareness for Disability Resources

The Exponent, 2-24-25

Nonprofit Offers Parents Community, Support and Resources

Spectrum News, 2-23-25

County Unveils Disability Registry

WKBN, 2-21-25

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Programs provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are funded, in whole or in part, with federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), OOD received 78.7% of its funding through the DOE VR grant. In Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2024, OOD received $166,384,030 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $45,031,510. Of these federal funds, $24,957,605 is set aside for Pre-ETS.

For purposes of the Works 4 Me program, OOD received 100% of its funding through the DOE Disability Innovation Fund grant. In FFY 2024, OOD received $716,175 for this program.

For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for the Supported Employment for Youth with a Disability Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of regular Supported Employment program costs up to the grant amount. In FFY 2024, OOD received $593,853 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $65,984 of the total costs. In FFY 2024, OOD received $593,853 in regular SE grant funds.

For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2024 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2024, OOD received $1,166,389 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $129,599 of the total costs incurred under the OIB program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2024. In FFY 2024, OOD received $646,297 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $71,811 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.